The proposal

Recce was at home tired , he had a board meeting to today he was signing a new merger with an international company so that they can open a new hotel in Moscow.

He thought of Svetlana," I can propose a deal with her to be my girlfriend so that i can be able to get grandfather off my back." And she is a good, attractive woman who can't resist her charms." I hope she agrees. And dived back to his paper work.

The next day he went to visit her in the office at noon. He was at the reception.

'Am Recce Nicholai am here to see Ms. Svetlana please.'

Do you have an appointment sir? Asked Michelle

No i don't but can you please let her know am here.

Svetlana was in the office drawn to her a pile files on the desk that needed signing. A call came through.

' Their is a Mr. Recce Nicholai requesting to see you mam.

' Okay let him in answered Svetlana. "Okay mam"

"What a nice surprise to see you, i wasn't expecting any visit from you." Svetlana sighed.

'I came to invite you out for lunch.' His smile was fond.' i hope i did not come all the way in vain and i will take no for an answer.

'Okay Sir where to.' 

It's a surprise, Svetlana.

She smiled at him and took her purse and they left.

They reached at the restaurant and a waiter came to take their order .

Recce glanced at her.' I like you, a few weeks ago i wouldn't have said this.' 

'Me too' She smiled.

'That's settled, i have a proposal for you more or else i need your help'. Recce said softly

Svetlana nodded and listened attentively.

Then Recce continued,' I want us to pretend that we are together as a couple'

Why?, looking a little shocked.

 ' For my Grandfather's sake,he had a mild heart attack last week which has prompt him to change his last will and testimony .And he wants me to get married within a year, if i don't all his properties will go to charity' And i kind of mentioned to him that am seeing someone that got him curious.

And as i know his he will soon demand to see my girlfriend.

' Recce sipped his wine thoughtfully.

'That's the reason for my proposal'

Svetlana was dead silent. She did not know what to say, a recent breakup then starting a fake relationship, she thought. They had just met recently, she did not want to get her self in a compromising situation.

Recce was waiting for an answer.

'Can i think about it and will let you know if i agreed to it.' Svetlana said finally.

'Take all the time you need. 'When should i expect your feedback? He asked

Svetlana hesitated . ' The day after tomorrow.'

After there lunch Recce drove Svetlana back to the office. They drive was very silent everyone was on there own thoughts.'He was afraid Svetlana would reject his proposal.' She didn't know was afraid of the consequences of her decision.

When Svetlana arrived back at the office , she sat down on the low ledge of the window just outside her door and stared down across the street. It was a gloomy dark afternoon, bitter cold under a lead-grey sky.

Svetlana sighed. This kind of weather didn't help anyone's mood; she had a lot on her mind . The proposal was a difficult one, and unrelenting gloom outside didn't foster cheerful attitudes.

Lucia came to the door from inside her office.'What are you doing , talking to yourself, Svetlana? She asked, rubbing her hands together.

She stood up.' Just a good case of mid winter blahs, Lucia.

'What brings you by' Svetlana teased. While embracing her.

' I missed you and i came to talk about mum's birthday party plans.'

Svetlana signed. ' I almost forgot.' 

I have had a lot on my plate this week but i will finance it can you be able to organise on your own.

Lucia signed. 'Don't worry sister, i can manage only 20 guests.' 

***Detective****

The private detective handed the photographs he had taken of Recce and Svetlana to the lawyer, i have been following the young man as you asked and i have only seen his with the young woman on the photos i have given you.

He is always at his hotel no other female acquaintance except her. 

'Continue following him and bring me more photos' said the lawyer.

Mr. Nicholai was at home when the lawyer came to see him and report the progress of the investigation.

'This is what we have found out so far.' He said

He took the photographs, checked them. Who is she? Is she anyone from our social circle?.Mr. Nicholai asked.

'Her face seems familiar, but i can't wrap up where i have seen her from.'Replied the lawyer

' I want more information on her and find out if she is really my grandson's girlfriend.'

'Okay sir.'

Dismissed

Recce's mum came in , is that the lawyer i see leaving.

Yeah, did you know that your son has a girlfriend? Mr. Nicholai asked.

No i did not. And you know i do not like interfering with his personal relationships. I trust he will make the right choice when time comes.

Mr. Nicholai shrugged. ' We will see about that.'

'Check these photos, its an update from the detective i hired.'

'At least i can see she is beautiful, My son got taste. I hope we will get to me.'Recce's mother replied.